Independent Advocate

POhWER; Sefton; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused advocacy organization is looking for an Independent Advocate to empower vulnerable adults facing health and social care challenges. The role includes providing advocacy, supporting individuals within Secure Mersey Care Mental Health Hospital, and ensuring their needs are met. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, experience with vulnerable adults, and the ability to navigate sensitive information. This position offers flexible working options and a salary of £24,242.40 per annum, making it a rewarding opportunity for dedicated advocates.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + Bank holidays

Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas

Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan

Auto enrolment Pension plan

Death in service cover

Qualifications

• Understanding of the role of an Independent Advocate and the Mental Health Act.
• Experience working with vulnerable adults is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide advocacy for vulnerable adults in Secure Hospital settings.
• Deliver verbal and written representations for clients.
• Collaborate with a variety of professionals.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Time management

IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Attention to detail

Tools

Client management databases

Job description

Are You Passionate About Equality and Advocacy? Ready to Empower Others? Want to Drive Change in Your Community?

We are thrilled to announce a unique opportunity for a dedicated Independent Advocate to join our vibrant team in Liverpool delivering Independent Advocacy within Secure Services across Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. You will be actively supporting individuals within Secure Mersey Care Mental Health Hospital sites. This vital role involves providing advocacy, participating in drop‑ins, and offering tailored support that respects everyone we support.

Your work will empower vulnerable adults, helping them navigate and access necessary mental health care and treatment, advocating for their needs and ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon.

You’ll deliver persuasive verbal and written representations on their behalf, collaborate with a wide variety of professionals, and take directed actions to address clients’ issues. This role demands a flexible attitude, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

The successful candidates will be expected to have a good understanding of the role of an Independent Advocate and of the Mental Health Act; have a passion for supporting people to access care and treatment for mental health, particularly where there is unmet need.

You’ll be working proactively in Secure Hospital settings, abiding by security protocols. Relevant training will be provided during a robust induction.

Hours of Work

Full‑Time or Part‑Time: 37 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am‑5pm. Part‑Time hours will be agreed with Recruiting Manager.

Location

Office based at the POhWER Advocacy Office, Maghull Health Park L31 1FN (with flexibility to work from home). Applicants must live within the area and have the ability to travel to other Mersey care sites.

Salary

Full‑time Salary equivalent – £24,242.40 per annum.

Contract Type

Permanent.

Independent Advocate Requirements

• Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
• Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable

• Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
• Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 year’s service.
• Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
• 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
• Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more.
• Auto enrolment Pension plan.
• Death in service cover.

Meet the Organisation

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait, apply now!

Closing Date

9AM, Monday 2nd February 2026.

Checks

An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

We’re proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under‑represented in our workforce.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.